Letter to the Editor: Israeli Hypocrisy and International Law

Relations between Israel and Turkey have recently broken down dramatically after a UN report concluded that Israel’s use of force against a Turkish aid flotilla last year – which killed nine civilians – was “excessive and unreasonable” and the loss of life “unacceptable”.

When asked if Israel might review the blockade, given NATO-member Turkey’s naval challenge on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said: “There is no intent to review the blockade as long as Hamas amasses missiles. This is a measure consistent with international law“. This leaves me perplexed! Israel flagrantly ignores and defies International Law – repeatedly – by building settlements in the occupied West Bank, but now suddenly Israel invokes International Law as an argument! So, which is it Israel? Are you willing to abide by International law or not, or just when it suits you?